IN CASE THIS IS YOUR FIRST RODEO - CR MORNING

Posted by Chip Hemmel on 9 April 2017

NEW CREW REVIEW - CR MORNING: "IN CASE THIS IS YOUR FRST RODEO."

Good morning everyone. Today is the day we stop thinking of riding and we actually GO riding.

WEATHER: There's a nip in the air right now but we'll get a nice bounce as the sun comes up. We’re expecting a sunny and cool start at 42 degrees with light WSW winds at 2 mph; Relative Humidity (RH) at 58% — just a tad moist — and will finish somewhere around 52 degrees with WSW ends at 4 mph and RH of 47% — quite pleasant.

PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE AT PAR BY 8:15. Our initial check in will take a few minutes as we tag and scan and implant the locator chip...just checking to see if you're actually reading this - no chip (other than me)... and we're expecting a crowd with this nice weather.

UNIFORM OF THE DAY: Break out the spring fashions for this one.

ON TOP: I'd suggest a wicking base under a light long sleeve insulating layer or arm warmers with your bike jersey as the outer layer. A light vest and/or wind shell may be nice to start. You may also wish to have your Buff and a lightweight beanie or cap as it'll be cool loitering around PAR; waiting to start and cool as we head out. Once we get out on the road it’ll warm up quickly so keep the layers light.

BELOW THE WAIST: I’d go with bike shorts with leg warmers; you may wish to wear 3/4 length cycling bottoms (capri’s) or tights; you’ll also want your “woolie boolie's" or other warm synthetic or wool socks; glove liners under your bike gloves and an outer glove if your hands tend to be frequently cold. Unless your hands are very effected by cool weather I’d go with just the liners and bike gloves, lightweight gloves over your cycling gloves or full finger bike gloves.

AS ALWAYS: Have your RoadID (or some ID), shades, sunblock, lip balm and a snack or two; two water bottles — one full with water; one with some sports drink — or more water if you're bringing energy chews or "bloks" as snacks - see "Fuel" post below. (3/29). ALSO: If you need meds; such as an inhaler or epi pen, please have them with you. You may want to let Dr. Ritter or Dr. Rubin know you have them aboard.

DON'T FORGET YOUR HELMET...IT'S A MUST!

Please have a spare inner tube, some tire levers and a means to inflate the tube should you need to use it. Speaking of inflation of tires; please top them off before arriving — check the sidewall but most of you will be looking for somewhere around 100 - 120 PSI. If you're not sure about this part; please bring your pump in the car with you.

REMEMBER: WHILE WE HAVE SAG VEHICLES ON THIS RIDE; SPACE FOR GEAR IS LIMITED - so plan for items you can wear or stuff easily in your saddlebag or pockets.

Don't forget we're looking for some Haiku from yoU. Here's one of last year's finalists that seems appropriate for today.

Journey with new friendsAlways keeping hope alive -Pedaling through time